Sheehy’s Bipartisan Wildfire Bill Passes Senate Unanimously

U.S. SENATE – U.S. Senator Tim Sheehy’s bipartisan Aerial Firefighting Enhancement Act today passed the Senate unanimously. The bill, introduced by Senator Sheehy in January alongside Senator Martin Heinrich (D – N.M.), strengthens the wildfire suppression fleet and ensures the United States can better combat the year-round threat of catastrophic wildfire.

“It’s only April, and this year has already seen the most dangerous and expensive wildfire season in history. It’s clear our government must do more to give wildland firefighters the tools they need to protect communities and save lives. The Aerial Firefighting Enhancement Act supports that mission by eliminating bureaucratic obstacles to provide our aerial wildfire suppression fleet the resources necessary to fight wildfires quickly and aggressively. I’m grateful to my colleagues for their support of this bipartisan legislation, and I will continue to use the full power of my office to support the brave first responders on the front lines fighting wildfires across the country,” said Senator Sheehy.

 Senators Mullin (R – Okla.), Luján (D – N.M.), Kelly (D – Ariz.), Crapo (R – ID), Risch (R – ID), Padilla (D – Calif.), and Warnock (D – Ga.) joined Sheehy and Heinrich in introducing the bill.

Background
The Aerial Firefighting Enhancement Act of 2025 passed the Senate unanimously on April 8, 2025. The bill amends the Wildfire Suppression Aircraft Transfer Act of 1996 to reauthorize the sale of aircraft and parts by the Department of Defense for wildfire suppression.

This bipartisan bill will help the U.S. better suppress wildfires year-round by facilitating the acquisition of military excess aircraft, sold at fair market value, for the aerial wildfire suppression fleet. Additionally, the sale of parts will help the U.S. maintain its existing aerial firefighting aircraft fleet.

The bill reauthorizes the Secretary of Defense to sell excess Department of Defense aircraft and aircraft parts, which are acceptable for commercial sale, to persons or entities that contract with the government for the delivery of fire retardant or water by air to suppress wildfires, as long as the aircraft and parts are used only for wildfire suppression. The initial authority expired in 2005 and was reauthorized from 2012 to 2017 before lapsing again. 

Read more on the bill HERE.